Astros, Ausmus do one-year deal

Known for his fine defense, the 38-year-old Ausmus hit .235 with three home runs and 25 RBIs in 117 games with Houston last season. He committed four errors and ranked fourth among National League catchers with a .995 fielding percentage.

It will be the 10th season in Houston for the three-time Gold Glove winner, who played for the Astros from 1997-98 and returned in 2001. He is the franchise leader at catcher in games (1,166) and starts (1,057). Last season, he became the 21st major league catcher to steal 100 career bases.

Brewers decline Jenkins' option

MILWAUKEE - The Milwaukee Brewers will decline a $9 million option for left fielder Geoff Jenkins, his agent said Tuesday.

"We've been verbally told by the Milwaukee Brewers that they chose to decline Geoff's option for the 2008 season," agent Damon Lapa said. "We're still awaiting formal written confirmation."

Jenkins, drafted by the Brewers in first round in 1995, had played his entire career for Milwaukee and had been the longest tenured veteran on the team.

He slumped badly the past two seasons, and hit .255 with 21 homers and 64 RBIs this year.

Lapa said he spoke with Brewers general manager Doug Melvin on Monday, and he indicated Jenkins would no longer be a part of the team.

"Based on the free agent landscape, there's very few left-handed power hitters on the market this season," Lapa said. "As far as corner outfielders with left-handed pop, scarcity is obviously a thing that generally benefits the player."

Jenkins, 33, earned a $1 million buyout after reaching certain thresholds for plate appearances. He hit 212 homers with the Brewers, the second-most in history behind Robin Yount's 251.

The move wasn't a surprise, and Jenkins received a warm ovation from fans on the last game of the season.